Why Expertise Matters: Elevating Language Accessibility in Health Care

Many first-generation immigrant adolescents experience unique challenges in navigating a new country and its systems. At an early age, these children may serve as interpreters for their parents and assume responsibility to bridge the gaps in accessing essential services such as health care and other family needs.

While this experience is not unique to a specific cultural background, it does reflect the reality for many Latinos. This community often faces challenges navigating health systems and other critical services. With approximately 68 million people in the United States speaking a language other than English at home, these issues are widespread. According to data cited in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 2023 Language Access Plan, 8.2% of the U.S. population has limited English proficiency (LEP). Language access profoundly affects the everyday safety and well-being of this population, and it is why certified language interpreters are critical to LEP communities.

Brenda J. Robles, a California Certified Medical Interpreter with more than 28 years of experience, is a key figure at NIH, leading the work in this field. Ms. Robles’ work, spanning the areas of health care and legal interpreting, has been an invaluable resource at the NIH for the past 18 years. Her expertise includes training on effective cross-cultural medicine and communication, which is imperative for ensuring patient safety and reducing disparities. Her contributions to the field were recognized in June 2017 when she presented at Harvard University on effective communication between monolingual doctors and LEP populations.

Ms. Robles emphasizes the significance of language access, stating, “Language justice is rooted in human justice. Understanding that all people and all languages deserve to be valued, respected, and heard empowers everyone and underscores the importance of human connection.” The importance of professionals like Ms. Robles becomes evident when considering the need for meaningful language access. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau, reveals that 21.5% of U.S. residents speak a language other than English at home. HHS has long been committed to addressing language disparities through initiatives such as Improving Patient Safety Systems for Patients with Limited English Proficiency: A Guide for Hospitals. The guide highlights the increased risk of adverse events for LEP patients due to communication issues and emphasizes the importance of providing language access to improve patient safety and care.

Addressing language barriers in health care is not just about compliance. It is about ensuring that everyone can access the care they need without having to navigate extra hurdles. It also helps individuals as investing in language accessibility and interpretation services creates a more inclusive and equitable society.

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